Sam Darnold enters the 2026 regular season as the Seahawks’ established starter after leading Seattle to a Super Bowl title in 2025, but early results show seven passing touchdowns against seven interceptions through five games amid elevated pressure and turnover issues. The 29-year-old has absorbed heavy hits, including 17 in the most recent loss to Denver, while completing just 60.4 percent of passes for 1,033 yards. Coach Mike Macdonald has publicly backed him as part of the offensive solution despite the 3-3 start and NFC West deficit to the 49ers, though backup Drew Lock performed efficiently during Darnold’s brief early-season absence with a glute strain. Upcoming schedule features a primetime home matchup against the undefeated Chiefs followed by games against Chicago, Arizona, and Las Vegas, with potential for improved efficiency if the run game stabilizes once Zach Charbonnet returns and the offense reduces sacks and forced throws. Historical output—25 touchdowns in 2025 and 35 the prior year—provides context for volume expectations over the remaining 12 games.